What is ICANN and What Do They Do?
ICANN plays an important role in how the Internet operates on a global scale. It’s responsible for making sure that the Internet runs smoothly. Whether you’re managing a website, running a business online, or a regular Internet user, it’s important to have a better understanding of ICANN and its role. It helps you navigate the complex system of the Internet.
In this article, we’ll dive into all the essential information you need to know about ICANN.
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What is ICANN?
ICANN, or Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit public benefit corporation that manages the global domain name system (DNS). It aims to provide Internet users with a smooth, stable, and secure operation of domain names, Internet protocol identifiers, and root servers.
ICANN’s background and organizational structure
In 1998, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) proposed a policy to improve the domain name and IP address distribution process, which led to ICANN’s formation.
The ICANN board is composed of four non-voting liaisons and 16 directors globally. They’re in charge of handling domain name disputes and approving Internet community policies that ensure the benefit of the global community.
What does ICANN do?
Surely, you’ve tried searching for something on the Internet. When you land on the right website, remember that’s possible because of ICANN.
As its name suggests, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers manages Internet names and numbers, specifically website domain names and IP addresses. It’s responsible for developing policies for the global coordination of domain names, ensuring that IP addresses assigned to domain names are unique and accessible.
ICANN and domain names
ICANN oversees both the top-level domains (TLDs) and second-level domains (SLDs) of the Domain Name System (DNS). Working in collaboration with the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) and Country Code Names Supporting Organization (CCNSO), ICANN ensures the stability and security of the DNS.
To distribute and implement ICANN’s policies, ICANN accredits domain registrars like Domain.com. These registrars sell domain names to Internet users while adhering to ICANN’s guidelines.
ICANN and IP addresses
For IP addresses, ICANN does not handle them directly. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), an organization under ICANN, manages the distribution of IP addresses to Internet service providers worldwide.
To make it clear, here’s a breakdown of the responsibility distribution:
- ICANN’s role. ICANN is the overseeing body that manages the IANA functions, but it doesn’t directly handle IP addresses.
- IANA’s role. IANA is responsible for the technical management of IP addresses, including tracking, allocating, and distributing IP addresses to five regional internet registries across the globe.
- Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). ICANN assigns blocks of IP addresses to five RIRs, which then distribute them to local internet service providers (ISPs) for individual users.
Therefore, while ICANN doesn’t directly allocate IP addresses, it plays an important role in managing the central repository of IP addresses.
What does ICANN have to do with root servers?
The root servers are at the top of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy. They are responsible for resolving a DNS query. They act as the first step in translating domain names to IP addresses. The root servers lead the DNS query in the right direction so that Internet users can find the correct website.
Aside from operating IANA, which is responsible for updating and distributing IP addresses from the root zone, ICANN manages one of the 13 global root servers —the ICANN Managed Root Server (IMRS).
Furthermore, ICANN coordinates with other root server operators (RSO) to ensure that they adhere to the policies for operating root servers properly.
Why is ICANN important?
ICANN is important because it provides internet security, consistency, and governance. Although ICANN doesn’t directly regulate a website’s content, its policies and coordination with different organizations ensure Internet users have a safe browsing experience.
Additionally, ICANN oversees the interconnected web of identifiers, ensuring that your computer can display the correct website when you type a website address into your browser.
ICANN ensures that individual Internet users can access the Internet through a single network, also known as “universal resolvability.” This means that everyone gets the same results when accessing the Internet.
ICANN and domain registrar’s relationship
ICANN works with domain registrars to enforce its policies, like ensuring that domain names are unique, protecting user data, and upholding the overall integrity of the Domain Name System.
ICANN runs an accreditation system for domain registrars that provides a stable and consistent environment for domain names. ICANN provided a list of accredited registrars, including Domain.com, that meet the criteria to be a trusted organization in handling the domain registration process.
Together, ICANN and domain registrars help ensure that domain registration services are transparent, secure, and reliable.
ICANN’s decision-making process
ICANN has been making decisions more independently since its removal from the U.S. government oversight in 2016.
ICANN believes all Internet users should contribute to the global policy development process of the Internet. So, when making decisions, ICANN considers different points of view from the ICANN community.
When an organization raises concerns or demands changes, a discussion occurs, and the organization publishes a report for public review. If the suggested changes affect a group in the ICANN community, the organization asks for their feedback, revises the proposal accordingly, and releases it for another round of review.
Once the proposal reaches the ICANN board, the board holds the authority to approve or reject the changes. Before the final approval, the board sends the proposal and the amendment details to the involved organization for a final review.
Criticisms of ICANN
During its early years, like every other organization, ICANN has also faced criticisms, one of which is its affiliation with the U.S. Government. Critics argued that the government should not be controlling the Internet, but rather a global and neutral body must.
In 2000, the U.S. Government contracted ICANN with the U.S. Department of Commerce to take over and manage IANA. During that time, the U.S. government also funded ICANN.
Who watches the watchers? ICANN’s accountability
Although the U.S. Government no longer has control over ICANN, it’s still an organization incorporated under the state of California. This actively means that ICANN must comply with California law.
Furthermore, ICANN also has an internal system that ensures and maintains its accountability. The system includes the ICANN Board of Directors, which consists of various stakeholders from across the globe; the independent Nominating Committee, which selects the voting Board members; and the Senior Staff, which provides different points of view to consider during ICANN’s decision-making process.
Lastly, ICANN operates under a set of bylaws. These bylaws outline ICANN’s responsibilities and procedures, making sure that ICANN operates in a structured manner. Regular reviews of its decisions also make sure it serves the public interest and remains accountable to the Internet community.
How does ICANN make money?
As a non-profit organization, you’re probably wondering how ICANN makes money. To put it simply, ICANN gets most of its revenue from registrars and every registration of domain names. How? Through fees. ICANN gets most of its revenue from three types of fees.
Transaction-based fees
Every time a domain transaction occurs, whether it’s a domain registration, domain transfer, or domain renewal, registrars give ICANN its share.
Annual accreditation fees
ICANN gets money through annual accreditation fees from accredited domain registrars. All registrars are required to pay a fee of $4,000 per year.
Variable fees
Each quarter, ICANN collects fees from domain registrars based on the number of domain names they sell.
How ICANN keeps a website online
Now that you understand how ICANN helps keep the Internet running smoothly and safely, the next step is to register your domain name through an accredited domain registrar.
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Frequently asked questions
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, was formed to keep the Internet safe, secure, and consistent through its policies and procedures.
No, ICANN is not a government organization. It’s a non-profit public benefit entity supervising the Domain Name System and assigning IP addresses. While it operates independently, ICANN still abides by the laws of the State of California.
ICANN gets most of its primary revenue through fees from domain name registrars and domain name registrations.
ICANN coordinates the global Domain Name System, ensuring that domain names are unique and connected to their assigned IP addresses. Additionally, ICANN is responsible for developing policies that help keep the Internet running smoothly and securely.
No, ICANN has no control over a website’s content and cannot prevent spam or control access to the Internet. However, ICANN helps coordinate and support the technical aspects of the Internet, focusing on keeping the Internet stable and secure.